Browns coach Eric Mangini appears to have limited options at quarterback with his team preparing for an AFC North game against the Steelers.

One way Mangini could go Sunday with Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme unlikely to play because of ankle injuries: employing the Wildcat on an extensive or even full-time basis.

Cleveland multi-purpose threat Josh Cribbs triggers the Wildcat, and he said that the Browns could run the gimmick offense for the entire game Sunday if that gives them the best chance of beating the Steelers.

“It’s a full package,” Cribbs said of the Wildcat today during a conference call with Pittsburgh reporters. “It’s not like last year, a week to week thing were we were putting in new plays. It’s more than enough to run a complete football game out of it.”

As for the obvious question as to whether he could physically hold up for an entire game while running the Wildcat, the 6-1, 215-pound Cribbs said, “The hits ain’t nothing. I love it. I’m not too fragile at all.”

Mangini did not question that about his most explosive offensive player.

He did sound hesitant about using Cribbs extensively in an offense where Cribbs would take a direct snap and seek out running lanes against the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL.

“He does have the kickoff return, the punt return. He’s playing a decent amount at wide receiver so we have to monitor his reps in order for him to be effective how we want him to be effective over the course of the game,” Mangini said. “He’s a pretty special guy with the ball in his hands.”

Which is why Cribbs will take his share of snaps Sunday at Heinz Field.

He's not too bad of a receiver, either, and he has proved to be a pretty good at running the Wildcat offense.

But Cribbs as an every down quarterback for four quarters?

Well, with the instability of the Cleveland quarterback situation heading into Sunday's game at Heinz Field against the Steelers, nothing can be disregarded.

"Well, he did it last year and damn near killed us," linebacker James Farrior said.

Although Cleveland coach Eric Mangini is leaning toward rookie Colt McCoy starting at quarterback because of injuries to Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme, Cribbs may be the Browns' best option against the Steelers.

The former Kent State quarterback turned NFL return specialist and now Cleveland cult hero is confident he could be under center for the Browns for more than a handful of Wildcat plays.

"It is a full package," Cribbs said. "It is not like last year. It is more than enough to run a complete football game out of it."

The Steelers can attest to what Cribbs offers when he comes into the game as a quarterback.

"Last year, he had our number," linebacker Lawrence Timmons said. "We have to stay in our gaps and contain him. If he gets a crease, he is going to take it to the house."

Cribbs lined up in the Wildcat for eight of Cleveland first 14 offensive plays last year at Heinz Field. He ended up taking 13 snaps from center, rushing six times for 45 yards and handing off the other seven times.

In the game at Cleveland, Cribbs ran for 87 yards, including a 37-yarder that set up the only touchdown of the game in a 13-6 Browns win.

"He's done pretty well against us in the past," linebacker James Harrison said. "We haven't really had a solid answer for it yet. We are expecting to get that."

Can Cribbs take every series under center, either by choice or by necessity?

"Heck, yeah," safety Ryan Clark said. "It would be tough to play him like that, but it would be fun. I don't know about throwing, but I know he can break enough tackles and make enough plays to keep you honest."

Cribbs ran the ball only 11 times in five games so far this year as the ground game with Peyton Hillis has been solid. The most carries Cribbs has had in one game this year has been three.

"It would make sense that I would (get more chances), but you never know," Cribbs said. "That's not my call. Whenever we call it, I am prepared to run it and take advantage of the opportunity."

Mangini would like to use Cribbs more, especially against the Steelers, but his other responsibilities have gotten in the way of that up until now.

"He is a special guy with the ball," Mangini said. "He does have the kickoff return, the punt return, and he is playing a decent amount of receiver, so we also have to monitor his reps for him to be effective."

BURGH86STEEL

10-14-2010, 07:37 AM

Cribbs killed them last time they faced the Browns. They will need to do a better job on Cribbs this game if they want to give themselves a good chance to win.

Oviedo

10-14-2010, 08:02 AM

Should be interesting. The Browns are essentially announcing what they are going to do and daring the Steelers to stop them. I hope the defense is better prepared than they were last year.

I never understand the nuances of this. We completely shut down Chris Johnson, best RB in the NFL, and Cribbs runs all over us.

proudpittsburgher

10-14-2010, 11:02 AM

Should be interesting. The Browns are essentially announcing what they are going to do and daring the Steelers to stop them. I hope the defense is better prepared than they were last year.

I never understand the nuances of this. We completely shut down Chris Johnson, best RB in the NFL, and Cribbs runs all over us.

Well, with Cribbs, there is always an element of the pass, but I see this working for a portion of a series, then the Steelers will adjust, force a turnover, and go on to a romp.

papillon

10-14-2010, 11:55 AM

The Wildcat, Single Wing, T-Formation or whatever you want to call it is a gimmick. It's really their only hope to win this game. I've seen less and less of the Wildcat this year and expect at some point for it to disappear, except for a series here and there by a handful of teams.

Pappy

sentinel33

10-14-2010, 12:13 PM

these teams that run the wildcat as staple of there offense are just teams that are incapable of building a real football team. This game will be close at the half but once the 3rd qrtr. starts the steelers will run away with it after having made the adjustments. couldnt agree more with Pappy.

Dee Dub

10-14-2010, 12:43 PM

Three things going against Mr. Cribbs.

One, the emergence of one of the league’s best ILB in Lawrence Timmons
Two, Troy Polamalu ( did not play in the loss the Cleveland-a game in which Cribbs ran for 87 yards out of the wildcat).
Three, Aaron Smith (also did not play in last year’s loss to Cleveland)

yeah Dee Dub. this defense suddenly has studs at every level on the defensive side of the ball. Timmons' emergence in the middle is the kicker over the 08 squad. the Farrior of 08 cant hang with this Timmons we have now. dude just gets better and better.

proudpittsburgher

10-14-2010, 01:25 PM

Three things going against Mr. Cribbs.

One, the emergence of one of the league’s best ILB in Lawrence Timmons
Two, Troy Polamalu ( did not play in the loss the Cleveland-a game in which Cribbs ran for 87 yards out of the wildcat).
Three, Aaron Smith (also did not play in last year’s loss to Cleveland)

Should be interesting. The Browns are essentially announcing what they are going to do and daring the Steelers to stop them. I hope the defense is better prepared than they were last year.

I never understand the nuances of this. We completely shut down Chris Johnson, best RB in the NFL, and Cribbs runs all over us.

I think Cribbs is more shifty than Chris Johnson. CJ is all speed and quick cuts while Cribbs is more erk and jerk.

I think Timmons and Troy are going to be the equalizers.

McFadden is also a pretty good tackler and that will help.

skyhawk

10-16-2010, 03:32 PM

I have no worries of any type of offense against the Steelers D. The Wildcat is no exception.

Cribbs running back kicks is a whole different animal. He has been a Steelers killer his whole career in that aspect.

chiken

10-17-2010, 05:14 PM

I wonder if Harrison took it personal when Cribbs said he could run that on us all day.. :wft

eniparadoxgma

10-17-2010, 05:16 PM

...should rename this thread to "Cribbs anxious to get knocked the S#$% out".

Chavezz

10-17-2010, 05:48 PM

Cribbs is anxious to stop drooling...
:Blah

Relentless7

10-17-2010, 06:42 PM

Cribbs anxious to start eating solid foods again by the middle of next week.

SteelTorch

10-19-2010, 01:13 PM

As for the obvious question as to whether he could physically hold up for an entire game while running the Wildcat, the 6-1, 215-pound Cribbs said, “The hits ain’t nothing. I love it. I’m not too fragile at all.”

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Still love it, Cribbs?

Notleadpoisoned

10-19-2010, 03:43 PM

As for the obvious question as to whether he could physically hold up for an entire game while running the Wildcat, the 6-1, 215-pound Cribbs said, “The hits ain’t nothing. I love it. I’m not too fragile at all.”

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Still love it, Cribbs?
Those famous last words by Cribbs would make an awesome forum signature.